Affordable Colleges Online, a leading resource for online learning and college affordability information, has released its ranking for the 2016-2017 Best Online Colleges in Kansas.

According to a recent study by the Babson Survey Research Group, the online student population in the country is now over 7 million, including 15.3% of Kansas students who are enrolled exclusively in distance education courses

A Pratt Community College former student gives credit to the foundation that was built while he went to school in Pratt. Doug Cramer, son of PCC Psychology and Sociology Instructor David Cramer, is now a Meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Springfield, Mo. and gives credit to his successful years in higher education because of what he learned while at PCC.

A Pratt Community College student was selected from applicants throughout the southwest portion of Kansas as an intern for our county extension office. Cassie Van Slyke, a freshman at Pratt Community College was the only intern selected this year which was a great honor to both Van Slyke and the Pratt county extension office.

The PCC Library and Performing Arts Department each received a grant from the local South Central Community Foundation (SCCF). SCCF offers annual Community Grants to nonprofit organizations from their seven county service area including Barber, Comanche, Kingman, Kiowa, Pratt, Rice, and Stafford County.

Pratt Community College is excited to announce the recent hiring of Barry Fisher as the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations. A Pratt community member since 1998, Fisher is ready to take on the role of strengthening alumni and community relations as well as initiatives related to college funding, grants, and scholarships.

The Pratt Community College performing arts department is quickly approaching their annual Concert of Choirs performance. This event features 120 singers from not only the PCC choir but also Pratt High and Skyline.

“The performing art department feels strongly about collaborating with other groups in the community.” said Misty Beck, Director of Theatre, “We are proud to be able to host this annual event to make music with our friends.”

The choirs are under the directions of J.J. Rupe, PCC, Brandon Wade, Pratt High, and Bob Lee, Skyline.

Two Pratt Community College employees are committing to developing their personal and professional leadership skills as a part of Pratt Leadership 2000 plus. Megan Eaton, coordinator of marketing communications and community relations, and Stacey Davies, personnel assistant, recently began the Pratt leadership 2000 plus class. Eaton and Davies will be involved in one class a month from September to March. They will then complete a three day conference at the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita, KS before graduating in May of 2017.

Pratt Community College hosted the Kansas Electric Cooperative (KEC) Hotline School from Sept. 13 through 15. This event is available each year and allows linemen from across the state to receive additional training.

“Working with others and passing on their knowledge is very important to all the linemen that attended and to the students who observed.” said Dave Campbell, PCC EPT instructor.

Pratt Community College received a new truck for its Electrical Power Lineman Program. During the summer they found a 1999 Freightliner Fl70 4x4 with an Altec TA41M bucket unit that will be used to assist students in gaining the skills needed for the workforce. Dave Campbell, Electrical Power Technology (EPT) instructor, purchased this truck through a company in Tennessee because of its great condition and lower mileage.